Features

Mediawatch - Publicly funded reporters will be employed by news publishers around the country in a first-of-its-kind scheme unveiled today to address declines in local news coverage. Audio

Groundwater scientists are using John Saywell's Canterbury farm to measure how well buried trenches filled with woodchips and bacteria break down nitrates in drainage water. Audio, Gallery

Two 13-year-old Fijian boys who have been given scholarships to play rugby at Te Puke Intermediate School in New Zealand, skyrocketing the school's standings - and hopefully kicking off their own budding rugby careers. Video, Audio

Scott Morrison's first overseas trip after his re-election as Australian Prime Minister will be to the Solomon Islands.

Donations to Samoa's Congregational Christian Church from its members have increased by more than $US400,000.

Tchaikovsky's Francesca da Rimini and Berlioz's Harold in Italy bookend this NZSO concert with guest viola virtuoso Antoine Tamestit.

Pharmac is making 10,000 people with epilepsy change medication even though Medsafe opposed the move. Guyon Espiner asks why the drug-buying agency carries out up to 60 drug switches a year.

Theresa May's tenure as British prime minister was the most painful that veteran British political columnist Anne Perkins has seen. Audio

Viola lovers we have a brand new collection for you! A selection of recordings by RNZ Concert including several concertos by our New Zealand composers.

Soon New Zealanders will be able to hire baby equipment when they're on the road when the Australian service Tree Hut Village sets up here. Founder Eva Wintersberger tells Jesse Mulligan how it works. Audio

The government's Kiwibuild scheme has had set back after set back. Can it be rescued? And is it still worthwhile?  Audio

As the government prepares its 'Wellbeing Budget', experts are urging New Zealand businesses to prioritise their employees' wellbeing. Rebekah Parsons-King investigates. Video

We want to know who New Zealand's favourite live act is. We've picked 25 of the best and all you have to do is vote for your favourites. We'll announce who got the top spot this Friday.

Mediawatch - The much-anticipated report into bullying in Parliament names press gallery journalists as part of the problem, but there wasn't a lot about that in the media. Audio

She’s a doctor who’s devoted decades to caring for disadvantaged youth. He’s a pioneering surgeon who set up a charity hospital where treatments are free. Meet Sue and Phil Bagshaw.

Analysis - There's very little evidence to suggest New Zealand voters are looking for a religious political party, writes Tim Watkin. Video

Horses, chickens, a hungry old woman and an alien all want a nibble of the Gingerbread Man. A song for the kids by Tanya Batt and Craig Denham.

Clinical trials have shown that hallucinogenics can help treat depression and addiction. It's time the American government funded more research into their medicinal potential, says Professor Matthew W. Johnson. Audio

Mozart’s opera of vengeance and forgiveness is set during the Roman Empire. The Met production features the wonderful Joyce DiDonato as Sesto.

The trade war between the United States and China really revved up this month – to the surprise of most of the global economy. Bernard Hickey looks at what it means for us. Audio

Charm is Australian film director Wayne Blair's stock in trade. His new romantic comedy Top End Wedding has a bicultural message under the laughs, says Simon Morris. Video, Audio

'Love is in the air' for the omnivore this week. David Morriss features music by Henry VIII, Nino Rota and Mascagni, amongst others. Listen on RNZ Concert from 2pm.

Eva's mix today includes a 'seductively joyful' album by Madeleine Peyroux, some Prog Rock from Emerson, Lake & Palmer and winners from the Songlines Music Awards. Listen on RNZ Concert at 12 noon.